Scaling Cyber Education to Secure the UK’s Prosperity

Abstract

Increased digitalisation and greater reliance on digital networks have left the UK with a significant cyber security skills gap and increasing demand for cyber professionals. Education has a cumulative effect on this gap. UK-wide information and communications technology (ICT) and computing science school curricula lack cyber security content and wider digital skills training. This, in addition to the substantial decline in the number of computer science teachers, poses a threat to the UK’s national security and resilience. Therefore, ensuring the education sector is fit for purpose in the digital world is vital. This opinion piece explores the benefits and challenges of integrating cyber security into teachers’ education, drawing insights from a comprehensive literature review of recent studies, articles and reports. The review highlights key trends such as the decline of computing science teachers, curriculum changes and use of technology in classrooms. It also emphasises the need for public-private partnerships and the importance of continuous learning in this rapidly evolving field. Through this analysis, the article aims to provide a balanced perspective on the potential real enhancements in students’ digital literacy and critical thinking abilities, brought about through improved cyber education for teachers. In this way students become better equipped for careers in the tech industry.